The Role of First Lutheran Church in Establishing Luther Hospital

Planning and Fundraising

The year 2005 was the 100th Anniversary of Luther Hospital and the 140th Anniversary of First Lutheran Church. They share a common history at the turn of the twentieth century when First Lutheran provided the vision and leadership necessary to build and furnish Luther Hospital. It was a monumental effort born out of faith, hard work, and ethnic pride. What follows is the genesis of Luther Hospital, much of which is quoted from original sources that preserve the personalities of the characters involved and the passion and determination of the time.

First Lutheran Church was founded in 1865 by Norwegian immigrants who came to start a new life in America, most of whom found immediate employment either farming or logging white pine and working in lumber mills. The size of the Norwegian population in Eau Claire by the turn of the century was part of the impetus to start a Scandinavian owned hospital. At the prompting of First Lutheran’s pastor, Reverend Peder Tangjerd, Luther Hospital was founded by a group of Lutheran clergymen of the Eau Claire Circuit who were convinced that there ought to be an alternative to the medical care offered by the Roman Catholic community at Sacred Heart Hospital.

According to Trygve M. Ager, a respected author and newspaper editor, and the son of noted Eau Claire author and publisher of the Norwegian newspaper, Reform:

“Luther Hospital can trace its beginning right back to the Young People’s Society (of First Lutheran Church). The original thought was to have a hospital for congregation members only, then it was turned into a joint project for all Scandinavians in town. Eventually, of course, it developed into a city-wide institution” (Trygve M. Ager, From Glory to Glory, the History of First Lutheran Church, Eau Claire, WI, Ecclesiastical Designs, 1965, p. 24)

The history publication form the 70th Anniversary Celebration of First Lutheran Church written by Dr. Seth Eastvold says that the “Luther League” [called "Young People’s Society” by Trygve Ager] began planning for a hospital as early as April 18, 1894.

That initial idea from the Luther League must have lit a spark and a passion in First Lutheran’s pastor (or visa versa). In any case, Reverend Peder Tangjerd, who served as the Senior Pastor of First Lutheran Church from 1894 to 1917, called a group of people together to discuss the establishment of a hospital. That first meeting in February 1905 was held at the home of Pastor Tangjerd. Lois Barland, in her history of Eau Claire, The Rivers Flow On, wrote that the meeting consisted of “a group of interested Scandinavians of the district . . . thirteen men.” “This meeting resulted in a unanimous decision to establish Luther Hospital.”

According to Mrs. Barland and her source, Mrs. Nels Hanshus, the wife of the hospital’s first Business Manager, because of a desperate need for funds to begin construction,” First Lutheran Church “was requested to release Reverend Tangjerd for three months, that he might travel in the interests of Luther Hospital throughout the surrounding area.” “He was successful enough in his work to order the beginning of actual construction . . . in 1906.” When the construction was completed two years later, “The public was invited to furnish hospital rooms and the Hoyme family (members of First Lutheran) asked for the first choice and completely arranged it.”

Pastor Tangjerd continued to be a driving force in the development of the hospital for many years. But, “the passing of years were now beginning to make their impression on Reverend Tangjerd; these years of struggle to realize an ideal had rested heavily upon him. One by one his co-workers were being replaced by younger men to whom he seemed to delegate his zeal for the task in hand.” (Lois Barland, The Rivers Flow On, A Record of Eau Claire, Wisconsin from 1910—1960, Stephens Point, WI: Worzalla Publishing Company, 1965, pp. 262-263)

Reform reported under the headline “The Hospital Cause”: (April 25, 1905)

“After thorough investigation by the appointed committee for incorporation, the committee is now finally ready to report concerning the incorporation articles, and a meeting concerning that cause will be held in First Lutheran’s schoolhouse in Eau Claire, Monday the 1 st of May at 4:00 p.m. to which everyone is invited.” (A Reform Sampler: Selections from a Norwegian Language Newspaper 1898-1941, Selected and translated into English by Genevieve Hagen and Alf Hjemboe, Published by Waldemar Ager Associate, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, 1998. Note: Genevieve Hagen was a Parish Worker at First Lutheran Church and Norwegian faculty at University of Wisconsin— Eau Claire. Alf Hjemboe is an ordained Lutheran pastor and is a member of First Lutheran Church in his retirement years.)

An article in the Reform states: (May 9, 1905)

“The Hospital Association had a meeting Friday afternoon. The incorporators of the Association are J. Gaustad, Rev. Mr. O. Valdahl, Rev. P. Tangjerd, Alfred Cypreanson, and Rev. P. B. Trelstad. The Directors who were chosen by the Association were the following: Rev. Waldahl (Meridean), Rev. Trelstad (Menomonie), Thv. Slagsvold, H. C. Hanson, S. Rekstad (Strum), S. O. Mauseth (Cameron), L. J. Roe; Secretary, Rev. Tangjerd, and Treasurer, H. C. Hanson. For the Finance Committee, T. Slagsvold was chosen, and he will assign agents at different places for the ingathering; for By-Laws, Alfred Cypreanson; the committee for negotiating building lots, Hanson, Slagsvold and Roe.

...the Association already numbers almost 50 members.”

The five-member Executive Committee of the Luther Hospital Association included three from First Lutheran Church. “Rev. Tangjerd, its pastor, being the moving spirit. John Gaustad, Sr. and Alfred Cypreansen were also members . . .” (70th Anniversary publication of First Lutheran Church, p. 208) Rev. Tangjerd later served as the Hospital Association’s president and as the hospital’s building committee chairman.

Luther Hospital’s website says, “The location of Luther Hospital was established in 1905 when the Corporation paid $4,000 for property at the corner of Bellinger and Chestnut Streets in Eau Claire. Adjoining property was added shortly after for $775. The hospital opened its doors on March 30, 1908.”

Reverend Peder Tangjerd, Senior Pastor of First Lutheran Church and the first Secretary of Luther Hospital writes in the Reform under the caption, “ Luther Hospital”: (June 20, 1905)

“Recently a new institution for the above named art was organized and incorporated in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

“The necessity of a Lutheran hospital in Eau Claire has long been felt. The named city and the surrounding area has an abundant Norwegian population, and the city’s proficient doctors bring large numbers of Norwegians here from the whole of northern Wisconsin.

“At a district meeting in Menomonie last winter it was resolved by the area pastors to have a prepared meeting in Eau Claire on February 9th. Since then several meetings have been held, and progress has been made with investigation toward incorporation and purchasing of property, and much more.

“The incorporating articles declare that the hospital shall be open to all with no regard to gender, race or confession of faith. Likewise one and all can become a member of the capital Association by paying at least $10.00 for the first year and later at least $1.00 a year. But the choice of membership to the “Board of Directors” who direct the entirety, are only those who are members of a Lutheran congregation. Both this and other similar proposals are made in order to prevent the hospital coming into non-Lutheran hands or into misdirection with a few doing damage to the whole. Members will not be financially responsible. To secure tax-free status it is determined that no member shall have any services exchanged for money or any other advantage at the hospital.

“It is also understood that they who work with the hospital must do so with warm-heartedness and love as the “Board of Directors” directs the same. Work, expenses, and many concerns is all the worldly profit they will get. But the Lord will reward every worker also in this part of his vineyard. Both members and others of our people will have this benefit in that they in the time of illness will have a place to go, where, for their paid contribution (for the hospital’s maintenance) will receive nursing and doctor’s supervision in addition to Christian care and devotion by the dedicated nurses and capable doctors of our own nationality and faith.

“At the organization meeting there were 25 members present. To the Board of Directors were elected the following for one year: Mr. George M. Rand from Chippewa Falls, Mr. Sivert Rockstad from Strum, and Mr. S. O. Mauseth from Cameron; for two years: Rev. P. B. Trealstad from Menomonie, Rev. Peder Tangjerd and Mr. H. C. Hanson, both from Eau Claire; for three years: Rev. M. O. Waldal from Meridean, Mr. L. J. Roe from Stanley, and Mr. T. Slagsvold from Eau Claire.

“The officers within the Board of Directors are: Chairman, M. O. Waldal; Vice-Chairman, L. J. Rose; Secretary, Peder Tangjerd and Treasurer, C. E. Hanson.

“Mr. Alfred Cypreanson from Eau Claire was chosen as Chairman of the By-Laws Committee; and Mr. T. Slagsvold of the Finance Committee which shall plan the work and name the ingatherers at the various places, and manage everything with regard to this with the best discernment.

“There seems to be great interest for the cause among our people out in the districts, and Americans have shown themselves obliging so far. The majority of the population seem to be glad to accept the establishment of a Protestant hospital in Eau Claire. In that the Catholics have done a good work of gathering money from us and keeping the hospital for us and maintaining it substantially with Protestant money, patients and doctors—then it is about high time that we ourselves take care of our sick and likewise take up also this part of Jesus’ work among our people. And it will show that the Lutheran Church has living power enough to take care of its sick in spite of Catholic ‘claims’ to the contrary.

“And none of us Lutherans should allow from consideration, that we also in this way ought to work against the steady growing Catholic influence both among our people and particularly among the other Protestant people in this country, which eventually can be dangerous for the country and the church’s freedom.

“Let us then in an unselfish passion unite around this task and show ourselves as obedient servants and usable instruments who come in order to serve and who never become tired of ‘going about healing the sick and frail among the people.’

“Herewith may ‘ Luther Hospital,’ God, and our people be commended!

“According to a request from the ‘Board of Directors.’

Peder Tangjerd, Secretary”

The decision to purchase property is reported in Reform: (July 18, 1905)

“The Directors for the Hospital Association met on Thursday and decided to purchase the Hoyme family property at the corner of Bellinger and Chestnut Streets for $4,000.00 which must be considered a very favorable price as the lot is large and the house in good condition. Pastor Valdall will utilize a couple months to gather in money for the hospital. He has already begun. $1,000.00 was pledged at the Director’s meeting.”

Fund raising for the new hospital was a daunting task, but no effort was spared to raise the needed contributions. Reform states: (October 17, 1905)

“The school which the Catholics are building on the corner of 6 th Avenue and Fulton Street is going to cost $50,000.--. Should it be so completely impossible for the Protestants here in the city to gather in $25,000.00 for a hospital?”

Reform, “The Hospital Association had a meeting yesterday and it was decided, that if possible, they should start building in the spring.” (November 28, 1905)

Waldemar T. Ager published Reform, the Norwegian newspaper in Eau Claire from 1892 until his death in 1941. Ager was also a member of First Lutheran Church. Because of his membership and keen interest in the involvement of Norwegians in community affairs, Reform often included news that highlighted First Lutheran Church. The following article further illustrates fund raising efforts on behalf of Luther Hospital: (January 3, 1906)

“On the 5th of January the St. Olaf College Band will give a concert at Fourniers’ Academy as a benefit for the Norwegian Hospital. There will be a talk by Professor F. R. Kildahl and undoubtedly violin solos by the band’s genial director, F. Melius Christiansen. The First Lutheran Choir will also assist. We know what our choir can achieve: we also know that Mr. J Christiansen’s violin playing is pure and artistic. We also know that Professor Kildahl is so well-known as a speaker that any recommendation is superfluous. We will rather call attention to the St. Olaf Boys Band. These belong to us – they are our own flesh and blood. Let us now – regardless of purpose – fill the hall and show up as when the Norwegian students were here. These students from St. Olaf do everything so well that we have good reason to be very proud of them. Their conductor’s name guarantees that what we have waiting for us is not second-rate. Let us now both for the music’s sake and the good purpose fill the large hall. It must be full if there is to be any return on it.”

Getting Ready to Build

Writing as the Secretary of Luther Hospital, Reverend Tangjerd wrote the following for Reform, under the headline, “Contractors, Give Attention!”: (September 4, 1906)

“Bids for the construction of the foundation walls for Luther Hospital will now be received, and must be delivered no later than the coming 15th of September."

“Plans and specifications can be had from the Building Committee’s chairman, A. Anderson, 331 Whipple Street; likewise bids must be delivered to him. That individual holds the right to refuse all bids.”

First Lutheran Church, as the congregation whose dream brought Luther Hospital into existence, was the primary fund raiser for the hospital. Contributions were made from those of large financial means and from very small fund raisers, as related in Reform: (October 30, 1906)

“The Girl’s Club [Little Star] of First Lutheran Church here in the city is having a bazaar with their hand-made items together with refreshments Tuesday the 6th of November in a ‘store’ on Grand Ave. East, near the bridge. The revenue will go to Luther Hospital. Let us both for the sake of the cause as well as encouragement for the Girl’s Club be diligent to show up and help them for a good use of their efforts.”

This Reform piece of news puts the value of a dollar into perspective as First Lutheran and other congregations and community members sought to raise funds for Luther Hospital: (December 25, 1906)

“Terrible rumors have been circulating that the barbers in the city will raise the price of a shave from 10 to 15 cents. It is nevertheless, decided now that the price will be the same. And that is only right. As long as people do not lengthen their faces so ought not the price be raised. It will then be 10 cents yet, which it was in our childhood.”

Reform noted one of many trips by Reverend Tangjerd to other communities on behalf of Luther Hospital, “Pastor Tangjerd left yesterday for Black River Falls to work for the hospital and to attend a meeting there. It will be a couple of days.” (December 11, 1906)

While Reverend Tangjerd was highly visible in Eau Claire on behalf of Luther Hospital, his wife, Anna Christine Louise, significantly supported the hospital and provided leadership in fund raising and furnishing the new institution. The following lengthy article in the Reform provides great insight into the needs of the hospital and the way she inspired and cajoled others to provide support: (April 30, 1907)

“I have such a desire to say a few words to every single Norwegian woman who lives in the vicinity of Eau Claire that I cannot contain myself any longer. But as I do not have time to travel around and visit them all, and as I am too lazy to write a letter to every single one, I must ask you, dear ‘Reform,’ to accept this letter: because then I believe that it would reach almost all whom I would be so happy to reach with these lines. It is especially the ladies I wish to speak to, and it is Luther Hospital in Eau Claire that I wish to talk about.

“To tell you that there is being built a Protestant hospital in Eau Claire this summer is obviously quite superfluous because you all knew that before. And to tell you that it needs money – yes, really much money for this undertaking, that also is not necessary, because it does not even need a man’s head to understand that. But to get so much money for this undertaking – yes, that I believe needs both man’s knowledge and female wiles. It has been said before, and I will say it again: The men will have to see to acquiring the money for the building itself. But to me and all the ladies who read these lines, I will say: We must procure the equipment! It is quite a considerable sum which is needed just for this – between two and three thousand dollars! This sounds quite frightening; but it is now true anyway. You can yourselves calculate. About 60 beds at $5.00 a piece, 60 mattresses at $5.00 a piece, 150 blankets at $4.00, 150 pillows at $1.50. Then a commode and a couple chairs together with a table for each room; likewise a bath set. Then next comes sheets, pillow cases, towels, and bath clothes – hundreds of each kind. And besides these items, you know of course, that there are numerous small items which are needed in so large a household. Everything must be sturdy and orderly. Finally comes the kitchenware of all kinds – dishes and vessels as we all know are needed. Now as you can see, it will be a goodly sum. And this sum we women must secure in the course of this summer; because we cannot let the beautiful building stand completed and empty, and continue out over the towns and then still send our sick to the Catholic hospital. Therefore – up, all as one, and gather money!

“There are many ways to gather money – and – ingenuity is big in women’s camp when we only wish it. Here in Eau Claire our established groups manage well with their festivities, begging, and everything possible. You others will not hesitate, of course. All the pastors’ wives in the towns and out in the country around Eau Claire receive, in these days, a special request to place themselves at the head of all the ladies and youth in their congregations in order to gather money for the equipment for the hospital.

“And there was also this which I wanted to say: Now when your pastor’s wife comes forth with this cause then you must not set a sour face and say: ‘No, these pastors’ wives are always begging! Yes, what else can we do? You know very well that we pastor people cannot build the hospital alone! If we could, we would gladly do it. But of course that would not be very good for the hospital if we could do that, because then it would be just ours. But this is a peoples’ cause. The members of the Congregational church obviously have great use for it, as do we. And I think now, it will be so much more pleasant to go to our own hospital when we become ill then it has been to go to the Catholic [one] where everything seems so strange to us.

"This is now my opinion. Accordingly be diligent and competent this summer, all as one – save a dozen eggs each week for income for the hospital, or a pound of butter, all who have hens and cows! In the towns, people will find other ways to do it, but you will find yourself one or other good ideas when you yourselves just resolve that you will do something. Yes, I will not say more this time. Just this: If your pastor people are lukewarm and neglectful in this cause, then you must reprimand them. You will get to reprimand them often, both public and privately. And we could very well have good from having some reprimand once in awhile when we have earned it. So, good-bye! I do not have time to write more this time, and you don’t have time to read more; for we must all get busy and take hold each in our own way, and gather money for the hospital!

“Now just a couple encouraging words to the men: In Eau Claire two of our Norwegian businessmen recently doubled their subscriptions from $50.00 to $100.00 each, and I know of several who are going to do the same. You out-of-town residents! Will you do likewise?

Mrs. P. Tangjerd”

The verbose Mrs. Tangjerd wrote in Reform again, one month after Luther Hospital opened its doors: (April 28, 1908)

“When a young girl sets up housekeeping in her own home, her mother usually procures furnishings for her. Furnishings consist of many things. Even in a small household for only 2-3 persons, hundreds of things are needed, large and small, and for a loving mother it is with honor and joy she provides her daughter as well as possible in making her home comfortable and pleasant. Here in Eau Claire we have now a daughter, a foster child of people’s affection. This, our mutual child, is Luther Hospital, and we have high hopes for her. We wish for her to be a blessing for many, for usefulness for ourselves and fellow human beings, and for honor and joy to God and our Scandinavian people. But if this, our daughter, is going to be able to do her duty, to be of usefulness and a blessing to us, then we must send her on her way and obtain her furnishings. And we ladies like to look after such.

“Here in Eau Claire we have now started with sewing meetings for the hospital. We come together as 10-12 women every afternoon. Sewing machines and diligent hands transform fabric bundles into sheets, pillow cases, handkerchiefs, etc., by the hundreds. We have a drop of coffee about 4:00 and then work industriously again until dark.

“Every once in a while we get letters and telephone calls from ladies outside the city with questions about how they can best help. So now you will hear: You can all be along and do something! The hospital can easily accept about 20-30 quilts – so just send one or two, all who so desire. They do not have to be very thick, preferably so (not thick), that a person can use one in the summer and two in the winter, and of light pretty fabric and good cotton so they can be washed in between. It is only the nurses and the upper staff who can use the quilts. Only ‘blankets’ are used in sick beds. But there is especially one thing I request and that is feathers for pillows. They cost a fortune in town. But out in the country feathers grow again on the chicken flock next summer. Therefore now at your next Ladies Aid you must agree that you will bring together small amounts of feathers for every home, stuff them in one or several large sacks and send them to the hospital. Now we are beginning to sew the fabric for our pillows, so let us now soon get some feathers to put in – or we will have to go and buy them – and then we will find out what it costs. Finished pillows, yes, even used pillows are also welcome. We can use everything – even from old rags to linen fabric, leather and feathers! Yes, finally then, remember the feathers.

“There are some who like to send money to the hospital, and to them we will say: the best is good enough. Among the last who have remembered the hospital with money gifts we can name three ladies from Strum, Wisconsin who helped with $5.00 so that their Ladies Aid gathered enough to equip one room. These ladies – Mrs. Marit E. Hansen, Mrs. Andrew Romundstad and Mrs. O. Ballerud are herewith given a heartfelt thanks, and likewise all who in any way are helping.

“Yes, now then, our common daughter stands ready to begin her mission. Let us now shower her with gifts, good wishes and intercession.

“The hospital’s superintendent of nurses, Miss Ida Isaacson, has arrived and has both head and hands full arranging everything concerning furnishings. She is present every day at our sewing meetings and sees that everything will be pretty and properly made. She believes that the hospital will be open for the sick about April 1st.

“Yes, so you must have thanks for this time – and finally, remember to send feathers!

Yours for Luther Hospital, Mrs. P. Tangjerd”

In the same issue, Waldemar Ager writes:

“So then, Luther Hospital is ready to accept patients. It was opened for visiting on Monday and Tuesday of this week and several hundred were there to make use of the opportunity.

“Completely ready, it is not. The larger sickrooms are not yet furnished. The furnishings have not yet arrived. The sterilizing room will undoubtedly be ready today or tomorrow; but otherwise it is, of course, completed.

“The kitchen is in the basement, with large iceboxes, eating room for the nurses, storage room, etc., besides the central heating. It is all very solid, neat and roomy. On the first floor to the right, when a person comes in, are the offices and waiting room. There are also patient rooms. They are not large, but are beautiful and neatly furnished. It leaves nothing to be desired. On the second and third floors one finds the same arrangements. Each floor has its own service room with cooking stove, etc. From each leads an elevator down to the kitchen. On the third floor we find the surgery rooms. They are in the north end of the building and are equipped with skylights.”

Even though Luther Hospital opened its doors on March 30, the cornerstone was not laid until Sunday, August 30, 1908. The main addresses were delivered by Congressman Lenroot and President J. N. Kildahl of St. Olaf College.

The first few years were difficult for Luther Hospital. Four years after the hospital opened, Ager writes: (Reform, January 30, 1912)

“It is now almost four years since Luther Hospital in Eau Claire was ready to receive its first patients. It took time before it actually came into operation. Everything was new and untried. The number of patients was small and for a time it did not seem very promising. A huge debt was oppressive and it took a while before people acquired confidence in the new institution.

“The Hospital Association was incorporated in 1905 and the hospital stood ready for use before three years had passed. Those who served as leaders at the time deserve praise. Pastor P. Tangjerd invested strenuous effort to get it going. He was not the only one, but he could not have worked harder than if he had been alone.

“Gradually the cause struggled forward until now when the late Mr. Sigvald Qvale Jr. gave such a large sum, it has made the hospital practically debt-free.

“ . . . Already there is developing a demand to add a new wing to the building. The present building is only the middle unit. It really will not be completed until both wings are added. It will then be a very impressive building and one of the largest Norwegian hospitals in the country.

“ . . . The other building is the late President Hoyme’s residence, and is arranged partly for patients and partly as a residence for nurses. [Pastor Hoyme, the second pastor of the ‘ First Norwegian Lutheran Church in Eau Claire’ was synod president of the United Lutheran Church at the time of his death.]

“The main building is 81 feet long and 43 feet wide. It is fireproof, except for doors and window frames made of wood. The ventilation system is the most modern and cannot be surpassed. All equipment is of the best kind.

“In connection with the hospital there is a training school for the education of the nurses. The first class of three nurses graduated in 1910. A like number graduated last year.

“Several of the nurses can speak Norwegian if they wish, and that, of course, is much appreciated by the Norwegian people who are sick and find it easier to express themselves in Norwegian than English. How important that is can be understood, in that of the 1718 patients who have been treated, 1052 were Norwegians, 42 Swedish, and 11 Danish.

“A large number of operations have been performed and the hospital’s annual report which was just printed, will perhaps be able to soothe a person who shivers at the thought of a physician’s knife. Out of a couple hundred operations, for example for inflamed appendix, not one single one has had a fatal outcome.

“It is the thought that when the new wing is built, it will carry the name of Sigvald Qvale, and that is both right and just; but when the other wing is built, where now the wood building stands, we assume it will bear the name of President Hoyme.”

Luther Hospital was conceived and built out of a deep faith conviction by the Scandinavians of Eau Claire to provide a healing ministry in the name of Jesus, the Great Physician. A strong Scandinavian identity in culture and language, Norwegian in particular, created a competitive spirit that sought to match and exceed what the Catholics were doing in health care on the other side of town. With tireless determination and optimism, countless people gave of their time and resources to build, furnish and staff Luther Hospital. At the forefront of this effort were the pastor, lay leaders, and congregation of First Lutheran Church. Without their vision, leadership, faithfulness and generosity, there would be no Luther Hospital today.

Rev. Dr. Duane Pederson
February 2005